2028 GOP hopefuls confront 'extinction-level' midterm losses

Republicans suffered a historic midterm defeat, with Democrats winning the House, Senate, and statewide races in deep-red states, prompting potential 2028 presidential candidates to assess the party's losses. Sen. Ted Cruz called the results a "Watergate-level repudiation" and a "blue tsunami," noting Texas is now blue and he is the only statewide Republican left. Gov. Ron DeSantis described it as a "meteor strike" and "close to an extinction-level event," while Vice President JD Vance blamed the Iran war. President Donald Trump denied responsibility, claiming he would have won if on the ballot. Cruz cited the cost of living as the top issue, and DeSantis pointed to Florida as a model for rebuilding the party.